In a well-executed and targeted operation over the weekend, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office arrested multiple individuals and rescued trafficking victims as part of their ongoing effort to combat human trafficking.
Known as “Operation Cold Winter’s Night,” the operation aimed to disrupt illegal sex trade activities by targeting both buyers and victims. “We looked for both sex workers that were being exploited to hopefully rescue them, but we also targeted the sex buyers because no buyers, no industry,” said Sgt. Amar Gandhi of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
The operation, which lasted only a few hours on Friday night, resulted in 26 arrests for attempting to purchase sex. According to the department, 2 victims of human trafficking were rescued, 2 illegal firearms were recovered, and 2 new human trafficking cases were opened.
This operation was part of the department’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and reduce the demand for illegal sex work in our community. Human trafficking remains a serious issue that preys on the most vulnerable, and we remain committed in the fight against it. “Thank you to our partners at Sacramento Family Justice Center, Drive4Impact Foundation, and California Department of Justice for helping make this operation such a huge success,” the department said in a post-operation statement. “
While the ultimate goal is to dismantle trafficking rings and apprehend those running the operations, Gandhi acknowledged that these investigations often begin at the street level. “A lot of times people talk about, why aren’t you going after the traffickers? The traffickers are the golden goose, that’s who we want, ultimately. But the investigations start here on a street level,” he explained in a media briefing discussing the success of the operation.
As part of an effort to make our community a safe place for all residents, Sacramento County is continuing its efforts on raising awareness about human trafficking. Several of Sacramento County’s community partners are dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking in collaboration and beyond the efforts of local law enforcement.
According to Sacramento County, My Sister’s House aids Asian and Pacific Islanders and other underserved women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The Family Justice Center helps victims during legal proceedings.
Other helpful resources and information include: RTI International provides insight into information about sex trafficking by collecting and sharing data about the issue. The National Human Trafficking Hotline allows people to report tips about suspicious activity they believe is connected to the crime.
Residents can all do their part to keep community members safe from human trafficking. Here are some ways we can all work to make a difference:
Learn the signs of human trafficking, which can include multiple employees living with their employer, a person who is not given the chance to speak to others alone and appears to be controlled in their interactions, visible signs of physical abuse, a person who does not have control of personal identification like their driver’s license or passport, a child living with someone who is not their parent, relative, or legal guardian, and a child under the legal working age who says they are forced to work.
If you are in the United States and believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, call the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If there is an immediate emergency, always call 911.
Become a mentor to a teen, young adult, or someone in need. Traffickers may target children or adults who are going through a difficult time, do not have stable housing, or lack a support system.
Get involved with a local organization that fights human trafficking, like one of the groups listed above.
Take time to learn more about the warning signs and how to report human trafficking at the U.S. Department of State website.
